SEMA 2010: Team Need for Speed 1969 Ford Mustang RTR-X Unveiled

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Ford crammed literally dozens of cars and trucks into its booth at the SEMA Show this year, but of the group there was one definitive showstopper. During the press conference, only one car remained under wraps and that was the Team Need for Speed 1969 Ford Mustang RTR-X, built with input by Ford driver Vaughn Gittin Jr. and set to appear virtually in an upcoming Need for Speed game.

Based on the 1969 Dynacorn body Mustang (a recreation of the original fastback model using Ford tooling), the chassis is custom built, as is the suspension setup, to allow for an extra low ride height as well as some serious (50 to 60 degree) steering angle. After all, this is no trailer Queen. No, Gittin intends to drift the car like he would any other.

Under the hood is a new 5.0-liter V8 engine from the 2011 Mustang GT, pumped up to 440-hp at close to 8000 rpm. And who can miss the Kinsler individual throttle bodies?

Outside there’s plenty of custom bodywork including the massive fender flares. According to Gittin, he and his team took inspiration not just from race cars and classic American muscle, but also from old Japanese sports cars (we spy a little Datsun in the design). And speaking of old school Japanese cars, the RTR-X gets a set of Work Meister rims (designed after Gittin’s own drift car) wrapped in Falken RT615-K tires.

Other modern highlights for the RTR-X include an updated interior with digital gauges, as well as plenty of carbon fiber and Alcantara.

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Don Struke

Is “Japanese spots car” what they call Datsuns in Bawston?
So that ‘Stang, which is “now trailer Queen”, will come off the trailer and Gittin will indent it? Sounds wasteful. But what do I know.
I was at this year’s SEMA and I am sure the event will one day be bright again. Should have brought a bowling ball.
However, enjoying the very high level of craftsmanship, as always, is worth the trip (from Baltimore). Many truly stunning works of art there.
Loved the continuation Scarab in the lobby.